Snoring is often nothing more than a loud nuisance shared with your bed partner. However, if your partner begins noticing that your 
snoring evolves into an especially excessive trait, or you begin showing other symptoms of breathing troubles while asleep, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. If you believe you have experienced the symptoms of sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with your dentist to look into this potentially life-threatening condition. Learn more about sleep apnea with your dentist in Fort Worth, TX.
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when a person experiences a pause in breathing while asleep. These apneas can occur multiple times a night, lasting anywhere from several seconds to minutes. Apneas may occur over 30 times an hour in a severe case of sleep apnea. This condition can greatly affect how rested you feel upon waking and during the day.
Do I have sleep apnea?
Unfortunately, many people suffer from sleep apnea without knowing it. Since the most obvious symptoms occur while you sleep, many people never put two and two together since they never experience their symptoms while awake. Though there are several types of sleep apnea, they produce the same symptoms, including:
- pauses in breathing during sleep (apneas)
- waking up suddenly throughout the night
- choking or sputtering after an apnea
- excessive snoring
- insomnia
- daytime sleepiness
- irritability
Sleep Apnea Treatments in Fort Worth, TX
Since there is no single test to diagnose the condition, your dentist will probably recommend a sleep test in a laboratory to diagnose your sleep apnea. The main treatment for sleep apnea is a continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine. The machine sends a stream of air via a mask worn over the nose and mouth through the airway to keep it from collapsing, allowing normal breathing. Most patients report that the CPAP system helps bring immediate relief from their sleep apnea symptoms.
For more information on sleep apnea, please contact Dr. Lindsey Horwedel and Dr. William Ralstin in Fort Worth, TX. Call (817) 926-8700 to schedule your appointment with your dentist today!